Beyond the Arc 2011-12 bball rankings

has us at #9, ahead of osu even, but assumes that morris doesn't go pro. in fact, there's mention of other prospect potentially going pro (on other teams), but not even lip service is paid to the possibility that d-mo might.

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The skinny: Best team in the Big Ten? I’ll make that leap. Every starter returns from a team that posted a negative efficiency margin during conference play, but has the talent to do more than make small improvements. Michigan’s good enough to be next year’s breakthrough team, much like UConn was in 2010-11. Morris, Hardaway and Morgan are a solid young trio who will be reason why. Morris and Hardaway can create their own shots, while Morgan’s a beats on the boards. The wild card? John Beilein’s offense relies on 3-pointers more than just about any other team. The Wolverines were about average (35.3 percent) this season; a slight uptick next year would be the difference between 20 wins and 27.

these instinct these guys showed to win, definitely wolverine like! They will be a year older, a year more experienced, look out! That said, there will be some differences that may make it difficult to have success; they will now be the hunted, teams will be getting up to play THEM, and also might they be a tad complacent after the unexpected flush of success from this year.

I tell you what, I haven't looked forward to a basketball season this much since the Fabs were here...

Thats great and all, but a quite a bit higher than I'd expect and/or like to see. We all know what happened last time we came out ranked highly. I'd be much more content with around 20th or so. That way the kids get a taste of being ranked, but not enough to where they get big heads and are full of themselves.

In other news its refreshing that MSU is no where to be found on that list.

Why would they make this list now? The deadline for guys to enter the draft is April 24th.Just wait a couple of weeks. It is too hard to make a this list without knowing who will be entering the draft. If Darius stays, then Michigan is a top ten team. Obviously, if Sullinger and Buford stay, then they are the team to beat in the big ten like already mentioned. Also, if Barnes, Henson, and Zeller all come back, they the Tar Heels will clearly be the #1 team coming into next year.

I have all the faith in the world in this team, but 9 is far too high for a preseason rank. There's way too many what-ifs. They must first prove they can play consistent. Nevertheless, very encouraging, GO BLUE

I'd say the potential is there to be better than Ohio State. We were so damn close this year to beating them. If THJ learns to take over the game like he did on occasions this season, and we can get some solid development out of Smotrycz, Horford, and Mclimans (or better yet all three) we're looking at a very, very good team. I see Horford making huge strides this offseason. Morgan raves about that new assistant and the work he did with his low post game.

#9 or #12 sounds nice, but remember MSU was #2 going into this season. How'd that work out for them. I know there were extenuating circumstances that caused their season to tank, but let's try to keep a little perspective.

I can't wait for the fall: an exciting football season, followed by an even more exciting basketball season. That sounds weird. Oh well, I'll take it.